Patrick Herman

I’m glad we could bring people from across the world together in Brussels for the EITI Global Conference. Together with the European Commission, Belgium is proud to host two days of important conversations about how natural resources can improve people’s lives. @EITIorg, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, brings governments, businesses and civil society together to make the oil, gas and mining sectors more transparent and accountable. Its work helps people know what contracts have been signed, who owns the companies involved and where revenues go. Transparency matters because of what it makes possible. With that information, people can ask questions, discuss the choices that affect them and help shape better decisions. Governments can manage resources more effectively, businesses can invest with greater confidence, and communities can hold decision-makers to their commitments. This matters all the more as the energy transition increases demand for critical raw materials. Europe needs reliable supplies. Producing countries want to develop their own industries and create skilled jobs. People living near a mine or an oil field want decent work, safe water and better public services. As Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, I want our partnerships to take all these ambitions seriously. Belgium can contribute through its expertise in processing and recycling metals, energy infrastructure, ports and logistics, alongside the work of our development partners. We want to be a reliable partner, ready to listen and work together so that investment creates lasting value locally and supports sustainable development.